LAUNCH your summer at Water Works Park! LAUNCH is a new annual and FREE event aimed at drawing new and current users into Water Works Park to explore its many recreational opportunities. Join us in the Park Saturday, May 30th from 11am-6pm for loads of fun and discovery.BECOME A VOLUNTEER!Events only happen with great volunteers. Sign up HERE today and join the LAUNCH fun!FEATURED EVENT: ARTEach year the event will prominently feature one new “launch.” This year’s launch is a public art installation on the Raccoon River by New York-based artist Mary Mattingly, whose work will invite residents to rediscover Des Moines’ river- town roots and re-imagine what is possible for the region’s creeks and rivers. Join the official unveiling at 1pm on the pedestrian bridge and catch remarks on the new DNR water trails plan from Chuck Gipp, head of the DNR!THE VILLAGELAUNCH will center around “The Village”on the big lawn adjacent to Arie den Boer Arboretum (check out the maps section on this web site). This is a change from the original location. The Village will host food trucks, Iowa Craft Beer Tent, user group booths and entertainment stage featuring the James Biehn Band. From the village attendees can join park user groups in other parts of the park for events whether it be an ultimate Frisbee game, , walking/running tour, paddling, cycling, yoga, drum circle, kite flying, hot air balloon or do your own thing. We will have a posted schedule in advance and in The Village. Activities and entertainment will run the entirety of the event.